Make the most of apple season with these lip-smacking recipes

Two classic fall flavors come together to make the perfect creamy and comforting meal. The taste alone will have you wanting another bowl, but the nutritional benefits of butternut squash are a nice bonus. The hourglass-like gourd is low in fat and high in fiber and potassium, which is important for bone health. Plus, it's packed with powerhouse nutrients known as carotenoids, which help protect against heart disease and some cancers.

Two classic fall flavors come together to make the perfect creamy and comforting meal. The taste alone will have you wanting another bowl, but the nutritional benefits of butternut squash are a nice bonus. The hourglass-like gourd is low in fat and high in fiber and potassium, which is important for bone health. Plus, it's packed with powerhouse nutrients known as carotenoids, which help protect against heart disease and some cancers.

Spice up (literally!) your standard smoothie with this seasonal blend. It's packed with sweet apple flavor and topped with a healthy dose of cinnamon, which may help you lose weight! Research shows this spice can help prevent the post-meal insulin spike that can trigger your body to store fat rather than burn it.

An unlikely pair, tart rhubarb and sweet apple come together surprisingly well in this delicious dish. You'll also get a hefty dose of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and potassium, so you can enjoy every satisfying bite without guilt!

Ditch starchy pie crust and get lost in this guilt-free, warm apple dish. The vanilla and lavender add rich flavor and the aroma might even spice things up in the bedroom! According to the Smell and Taste Foundation, lavender is one of the scents that boosts arousal in men the most.

The perfect fall breakfast, millet is a gluten-free whole grain that can be prepared fluffy like rice or creamy like mashed potatoes. Add crunchy apple chunks and a pinch of salt for the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Slice up an antioxidant-packed apple and some heart-healthy walnuts, toss them on top of low-calorie cabbage, and you can feel good about gobbling up your entire meal. One more reason to whip up this easy recipe: Walnuts deliver the most omega-3 fatty acids of any nut and contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which supports the immune system.

Every ingredient in this recipe delivers a host of nutrients, but there's one that really stands out: mint. Research shows this fragrant herb may help curb your appetite. One study by Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia found that just smelling mint on a regular basis helped subjects eat 2800 calories less per week than those who weren't exposed to the scent. So buy a bunch and keep it on hand!

Greens, vinegar, and apples come together with walnuts, cheese, and raisins to make one seriously flavor- and nutrient-packed meal. Plus, it's so easy to assemble that anyone can make it in under five minutes.